How it works
- Remaining entitlement decides how much you can borrow with $0 down on the next home. It's based on your new county's loan limit minus the entitlement tied to your first loan. See loan limits & entitlement.
- Rental income can help you qualify. Lenders typically count 75% of the rent (from a signed lease), and may require property-management experience or reserves.
- Funding fee: because you've used your benefit before, it's 3.30% with less than 5% down (1.50% with 5%+, 1.25% with 10%+), unless you're exempt for VA disability.
- Occupancy: the new home has to be your primary residence.
Example
You own a home with a $400,000 VA loan and PCS to San Diego County (2026 limit $1,104,000). Your remaining entitlement is 25% × $1,104,000 − 25% × $400,000 = $176,000. Lenders typically allow up to 4× that — about $704,000 — with $0 down. Above that, you'd put down 25% of the difference.
Simplified example; actual entitlement is shown on your Certificate of Eligibility.
Common questions
Does the funding fee go up if I keep my first VA home?
Yes. Subsequent use is 3.30% with less than 5% down — unless you receive VA disability compensation, in which case it's waived.
Can rental income help me qualify?
Usually. Lenders commonly count 75% of the lease amount, and some require landlord experience or cash reserves.
Can I buy a third home with a VA loan?
Possibly, if you still have remaining entitlement and qualify for all the payments.
See your real numbers
Our free calculator uses 2026 pay tables, BAH by ZIP and VA residual income standards. About 2 minutes, no credit pull.
Educational information only, not a commitment to lend or a loan approval. VA guidelines and lender requirements change; your eligibility and terms depend on your full application, credit, income and VA entitlement.